Judging by the article, it sounds like he was axed. "He gets teased backstage as it's the second time he has been knocked off an ITV soap.". I don't mind James, he was a bit of a nothing character but there's nothing to make me dislike him either.
I wouldn't be surprised if Gillian Kearney leaves as well. If Emma kills James (which is definitely possible) then Emma can't stay in the programme long term. I'm glad that there's going to be a new storyline for the NuBartons though, even if it does involve one of them dying!